"The story of India's greatest empire". This is how the trailer for 'Ponniyin Selvan-I' introduces its subject. Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s novel, the Mani Ratnam directorial tells a story rich in a variety of themes around men like Raja Raja Chozhan.
The voiceover tells us that astrologers have predicted that a comet is going to vanquish a warrior from the Chola dynasty. This is when a crisis hits the empire, resulting in rivalries and treachery. It is time for palace intrigues.
Jayam Ravi as Arunmozhi Varma says that he is the servant of the Chola people. Karthi plays a character who feels it is his fortune to fight alongside the prince. The story is set in the backdrop of the Kadambur Fort after a point. Aishwarya Rai plays Nandini, who wants to ensure Jayam Ravi's character and Vikram's character remain distant.
Also seen are Trisha, Jayaram (who has Tanikella Bharani dubbing for him), Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Sarathkumar and others. With music by AR Rahman, the film has production design by Thotta Tharani and cinematography by Ravi Varman.
'PS-I' hits the cinemas on Sept 30.
